single stage and Herters

[lordgroom]

I have never loaded with a single stage. I started with a Progressive. I recently acquired a Herters Single stage press and have the shell holder adapter from C & H. Here is my question:

When using a RCBS collet puller I have to guide the .223 round into the collet. There is some wobble in the round when I am raising the ram. Is this normal? I am using the appropriate Lee Shellholder. It will slow things down a lot if I have to guide each round into dies by hand. Any input is appreciated.

 

[mkl]

I use two single stage presses, a 40 year old RCBS Jr. and a modern Lee Cast Classic. While there is a very slight wobble in the cartridge/shell holder interface in both presses, both align a .223 cartridge with my Hornady collet bullet puller with no issues. I do not have to "fiddle" with the bullet to get it to move into the collet.

 

[Shoney]

Many years ago, I tried to remove some of the slop by cutting out a piece of painters tape to the correct size, and inserting it onto the shell holder. It worked on some case/holder combos. You may have to work the surface of the tape with a knife or thin flat object to flatten it enough.

I recommend painters tape, not masking tape, because it causes a lot less headaches if the procees doesn't work, or if you want to remove/replace the tape.

 

[MMCSRET]

The Lee shellholder is not a precision tool, it works but for what you are doing get one made by another company. Lee put more applications in each of their shellholders than any other maker. Buy one specifically for your cartridge and it will be much more precise.